Over the past week or so I have been introducing a variety of moms that I have met through blogging. I asked them all a series of questions and have loved reading their answers – so I hope my blog readers enjoy them too! I am calling this series “A Mom a Minute.” Today, let’s spend a minute with Nicole of Pharr Away!
Tell us about your kids – how many, boys/girls, names, ages, etc.
I have a daughter named Madison who we call Maddie! She is 14 months old and is as curious and adventurous as most toddlers at that age, and truly keeps me on my toes!
What are your kids into right now? TV Shows, music, movies, toys, books, etc? What are their favorite things?
Right now we watch Secret of the Wings (Tinker Bell) every single day. She also likes Sophia the First and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Any music gets her excited and any book with a cow in it makes her giddy (it’s probably the way I drag out my moooo)!
What kind of activities are your kids involved in? If they are too little for activities, what do you think you might want them involved in when they are older?
Right now we go to an interactive class once per week where she gets to climb on and through things and tumble around. I would love for her to pick up ballet, piano or track but I definitely plan to let her try a lot of different things and narrow it down to just a couple to focus on!
Where have you gone with your kids that you’d recommend to others? Children’s museums, amusement parks, vacations?
I would definitely recommend a kid’s museum if there is one in the area. We go to the Marbles Kid’s Museum every few weeks and she has SO much fun there. We’re planning a trip to the beach this summer and our first flight with her later in the year so I’ll have to let you know how those work out for us.
Are your kids picky eaters or do they eat whatever you make them? What are their favorites?
Maddie wasn’t very picky when she first started solids but she’s definitely starting to let me know when she’s opposed to something. Right now she’s loving rice, corn and any type of fruit, which is definitely a plus!
What is your mom super power?
I’d go with extended breastfeeding. The fact that I have kept it up beyond a year blows my mind at times. My goal was to make it to a year but now I’m planning to go for two years and let her self wean around that time!
What is your biggest mom challenge or struggle?
Being too hard on myself. I tend to set high expectations and often worry that I’m not teaching her enough or making sure she’s eating enough fruits and vegetables, etc. You know, typical mommy doubts about my parenting skills. But I’m learning that as long as I’m doing the very best that I can each and every day she should turn out just fine.
What has been your biggest surprise as a mom – something you do that you didn’t think you would ever do or something you just didn’t expect?
I didn’t expect that I would end up having an attachment parenting style, that I’d be opposed to cow’s milk, crying it out and spanking! My perspective was totally opposite before Maddie, then she entered this world and my entire thought process changed!
Give us some Mommy advice!
I’m learning not to compare my child or my parenting style to anyone else’s and I believe that no parent should! A new quote that I’ve recently learned to embrace…”Comparison is the thief of joy” (Theodore Roosevelt).
Thank you Nicole – I want to mention that Nicole approached me about joining this series and I’m so glad she did! Don’t forget to visit her at her blog!